AU, U.N., IGAD appeal for consensus after Opposition-Government talks collapse

On Friday, talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and the opposition bloc under the Somali Future Council, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, collapsed after two days of negotiations. The talks were intended to resolve the ongoing political deadlock surrounding constitutional changes and the country’s electoral model ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.

The opposition accused the federal government of failing to build consensus on key national issues, while the government argued that the revised constitutional framework provides a legal basis for Somalia’s political transition from an indirect electoral system to a one-person, one-vote model.

One of the main factors contributing to the collapse of the negotiations was the dispute over the government’s constitutional mandate. Opposition groups argued that the current administration’s term expired on May 15 under the Provisional Constitution, rejecting the legitimacy of the newly amended constitution.

However, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has maintained that his government’s mandate remains valid until May 2027 under the amended constitution, which was approved by parliament and signed into law earlier this year.

Despite the government’s position, the new constitution remains highly controversial and continues to face rejection from several federal member states and opposition leaders, who argue that the amendments were passed without “broad national consensus” and “undermine Somalia’s federal system.” The opposition bloc, alongside Jubaland and Puntland, insists that major constitutional changes should only be implemented through an inclusive political agreement involving all stakeholders, including regional administrations and opposition groups.

The collapse of the talks has raised fears of deeper political divisions and uncertainty over the country’s electoral future at a time when Somalia is also confronting security challenges, including the reemergence of piracy. In recent weeks, pirates have scaled up their operations, hijacking a number of ships.

International partners reacted with concern to the failed negotiations, including the U.N. mission in Somalia, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), all of which released statements.

The United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), in a statement issued after discussions held from May 13 to 15, welcomed the resumption of talks and praised international partners that supported the process, but said it regretted that “once again the dialogue concluded without resolving key disputes.”

UNTMIS said it took note of the parties’ commitment to continue discussions and seek “a constructive way forward.”

“As Somalia enters a period of transition, the mission hopes that Federal Government of Somalia will prioritize engaging all stakeholders to build consensus around an electoral model that is practical and unifying,” the mission said.

The U.N. mission also urged Somali leaders to unite in addressing the country’s worsening humanitarian situation and the continuing threat posed by militant violence. “UNTMIS calls for restraint and reiterates its readiness to work with other international partners in support of efforts to overcome divisions among Somalia’s political leaders,” the statement said.

The African Union voiced similar concerns. In a statement, the African Union Commission said it had closely followed the high-level discussions held in Mogadishu from May 13 to 15 between the Federal Government of Somalia and representatives of the Somali Future Council.

“The Commission expresses concern that these negotiations concluded without a consensus,” the AU said.

The AU nevertheless praised both sides for engaging in what it described as “direct and inclusive dialogue” in the interest of Somalia and its people. The continental body warned against hardening political positions and called on Somali stakeholders to recommit to negotiations based on compromise and constitutional principles.

“The Commission cautions against the entrenchment of divergent positions and calls upon all political stakeholders to promptly recommit to an inclusive and substantive political dialogue,” it said.

Similarly, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) urged Somalia's federal government and opposition groups to continue political.

“The Secretariat welcomes the direct engagement between the parties and encourages continued dialogue to address outstanding issues in a constructive and inclusive manner,” IGAD said. “The Secretariat calls on all Somali stakeholders to pursue solutions that reinforce national unity, strengthen public confidence, and uphold Somalia’s long-term stability and institutional progress,” the bloc said.

Since the collapse of the talks, which followed a year-long standoff between the opposition and President Mohamud’s administration, negotiations have repeatedly ended without agreement, resulting in a prolonged political deadlock.

The opposition insists that the president’s term has ended. In their latest press briefing, opposition leaders declared that they no longer recognize the president, arguing that his mandate has expired, and referred to him as the “former president.”

President Mohamud has rejected the opposition’s demands, declared that he will remain in office for another year, and continues to advance his electoral agenda, including holding elections in Southwest State.

Calls from international partners have so far done little to push the parties toward a negotiated settlement.